Walkthrough of our Amazing Egypt trip
Place - Egypt
Dates - 30 Sep 2022 - 7th Oct 2022
Days - 7 night - 8 days
Travel - No direct flight, We took connecting flight via AbuDhabi
1. Egypt had e-visa option
2. Tatva(my son) had been wanting to visit pyramids
3. I had been wanting to go for cruise on Nile for a long time
Also, the flights were relatively cheaper.
Brief itinerary -
Day 1 - Arrival at Cairo (Hotel Hayat Pyramid view)
Day 2 - Cairo city - Citadel + Museum + Market
Day 3 - Pyramids time, overnight train to Aswan.
Day 4 - Arrival at Aswan - onboard to Cruise - Philae temple
Day 5 - Abu Simbel temple and Kom Ombo temple
Day 6 - Luxor city - Karnak temple & Luxor temple
Day 7 - Hot air balloon, Queen Hatshetput temple & Valley of Kings. Return to Cairo
Day 8 -Flight from Cairo
____________________________________
We decided to stay in Giza because of pyramids. Giza is around 40 km far from airport.
The hotel was around 1 hour drive from Cairo airport. We reached our hotel around 2 PM. After check-in formalities, one of the hotel staff, took us to the terrace for a welcome drink and it was an astonishing view of Giza Pyramids. We spent around 15 mins on terrace and clicked few picture. We realised we could no longer stay in this hot sun, even if view was spectacular. We felt we may not be able to finish this Egypt trip as planned because of heat. Lack of sleep coupled with heat made me frustrated, so came to room and slept. Amber was even more frustrated as he was dealing with knee pain as well.
Our opinion changed in the evening when we saw pyramids from the terrace. Weather was also nice and cool. We decided to roam around on our own. We saw the papyrus paper making and paintings which glow in dark.
Day 2 -
It was expected to be a hot day, around 37-39 degree. Day started with "Breakfast with pyramids" at the hotel's terrace.
Our guide (Nurin) was already waiting for us at the reception by the time we finished our breakfast. We planned to start around 8, we had scheduled out itinerary in such that, we could stay indoor post lunch time. We went to the Citadel first. \
After finishing the tour of Citadel, we visited the coptic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites.
We had a very delicious lunch in the old city and then proceeded to visit National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC). The ground floor has many artifacts, statues etc. The underground floor is Mummy section (no photo allowed here). It was a great experience visiting those Mummies and reliving a part of egyptian ancient civilisation. From there, in the evening, we went to Khan-Al-Khaleeli market. It's like any normal Indian road side market. By evening, we were pretty tired. We came back to our hotel at around 7:30. Went nearby restaurant and had great Kebabs there.
Day 3 -
Today was the pyramids day!!! Yeyy!!!
Pyramids are the main attraction points of the Egypt trip. They are so grand that any modern structure fades in front of them. Pyramids leave you speechless, spellbound and full of curiosity at the same time. Since their construction is still a mystery for the human kind, I was very interested and excited to see it with my own eyes.
There are hundreds of pyramids in whole of Egypt. But Giza pyramids are called the great pyramids. It has 3 big pyramids (Khufu/Cheops, Khafre & Menkaure),6 small pyramids (for queens) and a Sphinx. You can choose any one of the pyramids for going inside. We chose to visit the chambers of pyramid of Khufu which is the biggest pyramid and costliest one.
We also visited the Ancient pyramids complex of Dahshur , Step pyramid and red pyramid.
At night, we boarded the train to Aswan. It was a first class coupe, experience was OK. They provided dinner and breakfast which was average. When we woke up in the morning, we were somewhere near Luxor. Enjoyed countryside view from Luxor till our destination at Luxor.
We checked-in to Nile river cruise (Al-Hambra) at around 10AM. Our first reaction after seeing the cruise was of Joy!!! It was like a luxury hotel with all kind of facilities in there.In this way, our dream of a Nile River Cruise started on a happy note and it was going to get better and better in next 3 days. Tatva went into Jacuzzi immediately, Amber and I went on Pool deck at the top which was another beautiful sight to behold. After a drink, we came down, took shower and got ready for lunch followed by Aswan city tour. In the dining area, they had assigned fixed tables for every guest. Food was delicious, with many varieties of options there (though vegetarian people may struggle a bit).
We started the tour with Nubian Museum at afternoon. It was 41 C outside, burning hot. we quickly bought the ticket and went inside air-conditioned museum. It is a vast museum to cover in few hours, but since we had limited time, we had to rush and covered only the important parts of the museum.
By the time we came out, it had started to get a bit cooler. Our next stop was the Philae temple. This temple was originally situated on one small island, which was in danger of submersion under water, after high dam was built. The whole temple was moved to another island with the help of UNESCO. They took 8 years to move the temple. The whole temple was cut into 10000 pieces and each individual pieces are marked and photographed and later assembled at another island. We need a Ferry ride to reach to the island.
Temple was very beautiful. We were there till sundown.
By the time, we were back to Cruise, it was dark. There was still some time for dinner, so went to pool deck which looked even more beautiful in the evening.
Dinner was once again sumptuous. We ate and went to sleep as we had to start early morning at 3AM for Abu Simbel.
This Abu Simbel temple also has stories about moving it 60 Feet above from its original position due to construction of high dam. Around 20 countries (including India) contributed for this great movement.
In the evening we visited Kom Ombo temple. This was a hospital at that time. There were wall-carvings to show all the tools which were used that time and they are almost same as what we use now. We also visited the crocodile museum.
Few interesting facts like how they used well and motor to pump the water. How they used advanced technique to make announcements and amplify the audio.
Evening we watched belly dance performance at the cruise.
Day 6 -
Morning we spent on cruise, used swimming pool, spent time on other activities and relaxed for some time.
Food at cruise was simply awesome, we enjoyed each and every meal served by them. Even my 10 year old son enjoyed the food.
We started for Luxor temple post lunch . Luxor temple is huge temple, with huge complex and hundreds of pillers. This temple provides little different view than the other temples we saw earlier in our tour. As usual there are beautiful wall carvings and few pillars still have they original colors.
There is connecting pathway between Luxor temple and Karnak temple which was used to perform the King's special ritual
The tombs are created undergraound like rabbit hole burrow. It can have many branches and traps inside to confuse the thieves/robbers. there are around 60+ tombs in valley of kings and one can choose to go in any 3 tombs of his/her choice. I have never been to any tombs before this, so this was great surprise for me. I could never imagine, how people living in the desert where everything in grey/ and dusty, can have such colorful and artistic tombs. The walls(around 20-30 feet) after entrance have some carved slokas/matras and as you go deeper, you will find stories represented pictorially. . There are no mummies as all the mummies are moved to Mummy museum. There is no treasure as well. ;) The most beautiful tomb in the world is Queen Nafartari tomb and it costed 1000 Egyption pound to see it.
After kings of valley we took the flight back to Cairo, spent evening agin watching pyramids again and enjoyed the light and sound show from out hotel terrace.
Day 8 -
Time to return back to Bangalore. I might never have such a awesome view while having tea again. With beautiful memories, history and information, we head back to our own country. Tatva bought lot of books including Cartoosh(Egptional alphabets) signs.
Our trip was for 7 nights and 8 days. We skipped Red sea because, we wanted to focus on core Egypt and historical aspects only.
Brief itinerary -
Day 1 - Arrival at Cairo (Hotel Hayat Pyramid view)
Day 2 - Cairo city - Citadel + Museum + Market
Day 3 - Pyramids time, overnight train to Aswan.
Day 4 - Arrival at Aswan - onboard to Cruise - Philae temple
Day 5 - Abu Simbel temple and Kom Ombo temple
Day 6 - Luxor city - Karnak temple & Luxor temple
Day 7 - Hot air balloon, Queen Hatshetput temple & Valley of Kings. Return to Cairo
Day 8 -Flight from Cairo
____________________________________
Day 1-
We had early morning flight from India, and we reached Cairo around noon. To ensure I have a dramatic life, my international travels are full of adventure. Amber went to withdraw some cash from an ATM machine and due to some technical issue his card got stuck in the machine. The ATM literally ate his card, LOL!! We waited for some time and complained but no luck. We immediately purchased SIM card and blocked the credit card. Then I had to use my card all the time. :( Finally, we stepped out of the airport and the first gush of hot air made us very worried. Cairo was hot and we heard that Abu Simbel and Aswan were going to be hotter.
We had early morning flight from India, and we reached Cairo around noon. To ensure I have a dramatic life, my international travels are full of adventure. Amber went to withdraw some cash from an ATM machine and due to some technical issue his card got stuck in the machine. The ATM literally ate his card, LOL!! We waited for some time and complained but no luck. We immediately purchased SIM card and blocked the credit card. Then I had to use my card all the time. :( Finally, we stepped out of the airport and the first gush of hot air made us very worried. Cairo was hot and we heard that Abu Simbel and Aswan were going to be hotter.
We decided to stay in Giza because of pyramids. Giza is around 40 km far from airport.
 |
| Pyramid view from the Hotel |
The hotel was around 1 hour drive from Cairo airport. We reached our hotel around 2 PM. After check-in formalities, one of the hotel staff, took us to the terrace for a welcome drink and it was an astonishing view of Giza Pyramids. We spent around 15 mins on terrace and clicked few picture. We realised we could no longer stay in this hot sun, even if view was spectacular. We felt we may not be able to finish this Egypt trip as planned because of heat. Lack of sleep coupled with heat made me frustrated, so came to room and slept. Amber was even more frustrated as he was dealing with knee pain as well.
 |
| Night pyramid view |
Our opinion changed in the evening when we saw pyramids from the terrace. Weather was also nice and cool. We decided to roam around on our own. We saw the papyrus paper making and paintings which glow in dark.
Day 2 -
It was expected to be a hot day, around 37-39 degree. Day started with "Breakfast with pyramids" at the hotel's terrace.
 |
| breakfast with view |
Our guide (Nurin) was already waiting for us at the reception by the time we finished our breakfast. We planned to start around 8, we had scheduled out itinerary in such that, we could stay indoor post lunch time. We went to the Citadel first. \
Citadel of Cairo is also called as Citadel of Saladin. It is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo. It has a Mosque (Mohammed Ali mosque - which our guide told derives inspiration from Blue Mosque/Sultan Ahmed Mosque, in Istanbul). Mosque is made up of Alabaster Stones and is very beautiful both from outside as well as inside. One can see the city of Cairo and also the pyramids at far from the walls of citadel. Citadel also houses Military museum in it.
 |
| Blue Mosque |
 |
| Cairo city view from Citadel |
After finishing the tour of Citadel, we visited the coptic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites.
 |
| Greek Church of St. George |
We had a very delicious lunch in the old city and then proceeded to visit National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC). The ground floor has many artifacts, statues etc. The underground floor is Mummy section (no photo allowed here). It was a great experience visiting those Mummies and reliving a part of egyptian ancient civilisation. From there, in the evening, we went to Khan-Al-Khaleeli market. It's like any normal Indian road side market. By evening, we were pretty tired. We came back to our hotel at around 7:30. Went nearby restaurant and had great Kebabs there.
Day 3 -
Today was the pyramids day!!! Yeyy!!!
Pyramids are the main attraction points of the Egypt trip. They are so grand that any modern structure fades in front of them. Pyramids leave you speechless, spellbound and full of curiosity at the same time. Since their construction is still a mystery for the human kind, I was very interested and excited to see it with my own eyes.
There are hundreds of pyramids in whole of Egypt. But Giza pyramids are called the great pyramids. It has 3 big pyramids (Khufu/Cheops, Khafre & Menkaure),6 small pyramids (for queens) and a Sphinx. You can choose any one of the pyramids for going inside. We chose to visit the chambers of pyramid of Khufu which is the biggest pyramid and costliest one.
 |
| The great Pyramids |
 |
| Sphinx |
 |
| Inside the pyramids |
 |
| The main chamber |
We also visited the Ancient pyramids complex of Dahshur , Step pyramid and red pyramid.
At night, we boarded the train to Aswan. It was a first class coupe, experience was OK. They provided dinner and breakfast which was average. When we woke up in the morning, we were somewhere near Luxor. Enjoyed countryside view from Luxor till our destination at Luxor.
Day 4 -
We reached Luxor at around 9:30 AM. As soon as we stepped outside the station to board the taxi, we were happy to the beautiful view of Bazaar and area surrounding the station.
We reached Luxor at around 9:30 AM. As soon as we stepped outside the station to board the taxi, we were happy to the beautiful view of Bazaar and area surrounding the station.
 |
| Even the station looks like tourist spots |
We checked-in to Nile river cruise (Al-Hambra) at around 10AM. Our first reaction after seeing the cruise was of Joy!!! It was like a luxury hotel with all kind of facilities in there.In this way, our dream of a Nile River Cruise started on a happy note and it was going to get better and better in next 3 days. Tatva went into Jacuzzi immediately, Amber and I went on Pool deck at the top which was another beautiful sight to behold. After a drink, we came down, took shower and got ready for lunch followed by Aswan city tour. In the dining area, they had assigned fixed tables for every guest. Food was delicious, with many varieties of options there (though vegetarian people may struggle a bit).
We started the tour with Nubian Museum at afternoon. It was 41 C outside, burning hot. we quickly bought the ticket and went inside air-conditioned museum. It is a vast museum to cover in few hours, but since we had limited time, we had to rush and covered only the important parts of the museum.
By the time we came out, it had started to get a bit cooler. Our next stop was the Philae temple. This temple was originally situated on one small island, which was in danger of submersion under water, after high dam was built. The whole temple was moved to another island with the help of UNESCO. They took 8 years to move the temple. The whole temple was cut into 10000 pieces and each individual pieces are marked and photographed and later assembled at another island. We need a Ferry ride to reach to the island.
Temple was very beautiful. We were there till sundown.
By the time, we were back to Cruise, it was dark. There was still some time for dinner, so went to pool deck which looked even more beautiful in the evening.
Dinner was once again sumptuous. We ate and went to sleep as we had to start early morning at 3AM for Abu Simbel.
Day 5 -
It was a long hectic day to cover the great Abu Simbel temple.
This is very grand temple built by Ramses-II. We heard lot of interesting stories about him, like he had 52 wifes and around 150 kids. Although Ramses-II was called as the great architect of the Egypt, he was self obsessed, instead of god he built his own statue all over the temples. You should visit yourself for rest of the stories. :)
Abu Simbel temple is situated in the middle of desert, at the bank of river Nile. There is no closeby village/civilization, the closest place is Aswan. It took around 3-4 hours to reach there from Aswan.
It was a long hectic day to cover the great Abu Simbel temple.
This is very grand temple built by Ramses-II. We heard lot of interesting stories about him, like he had 52 wifes and around 150 kids. Although Ramses-II was called as the great architect of the Egypt, he was self obsessed, instead of god he built his own statue all over the temples. You should visit yourself for rest of the stories. :)
Abu Simbel temple is situated in the middle of desert, at the bank of river Nile. There is no closeby village/civilization, the closest place is Aswan. It took around 3-4 hours to reach there from Aswan.
 |
| Inside the Abu Simbal temple |
This Abu Simbel temple also has stories about moving it 60 Feet above from its original position due to construction of high dam. Around 20 countries (including India) contributed for this great movement.
In the evening we visited Kom Ombo temple. This was a hospital at that time. There were wall-carvings to show all the tools which were used that time and they are almost same as what we use now. We also visited the crocodile museum.
 |
| Crocodile mummies in the background |
Few interesting facts like how they used well and motor to pump the water. How they used advanced technique to make announcements and amplify the audio.
Evening we watched belly dance performance at the cruise.
 |
| Gala night |
Morning we spent on cruise, used swimming pool, spent time on other activities and relaxed for some time.
Food at cruise was simply awesome, we enjoyed each and every meal served by them. Even my 10 year old son enjoyed the food.
We started for Luxor temple post lunch . Luxor temple is huge temple, with huge complex and hundreds of pillers. This temple provides little different view than the other temples we saw earlier in our tour. As usual there are beautiful wall carvings and few pillars still have they original colors.
There is connecting pathway between Luxor temple and Karnak temple which was used to perform the King's special ritual
 |
| Connecting pathway between Luxor team and Karnak temple |
Day 7 -
This day awaits the another most beautiful experience of the trip - Hot air balloon ride. We started around 4 AM from the cruise. We reached to the hot air balloons spot around 5 AM. It was huge ground and
we could see hot air balloons everywhere. There were around total 50 hot air balloons. Balloons are filled in order of bigger to smaller. our balloon was in small in size so we had to wait for at least 1 hour before we could get our balloons filled.
This hot air ballon ride was special because I think this is the only place where one can see dessert, river, greenery and monument, all from single hot air balloon ride.
After the balloon ride we went for the Queen Hatshetput temple. This is the only temple made for any queen in Egyptian history. This is beautiful temple with 3 floors and having grand entry. Queen Hatshetput is the only queen who ruled independently without any king in place.
After visiting Queen Hatshetput temple, we went to valley of kings. This is a great site where all the kings tombs are situated. There is also valley of queens where queens tombs are situated.
This day awaits the another most beautiful experience of the trip - Hot air balloon ride. We started around 4 AM from the cruise. We reached to the hot air balloons spot around 5 AM. It was huge ground and
we could see hot air balloons everywhere. There were around total 50 hot air balloons. Balloons are filled in order of bigger to smaller. our balloon was in small in size so we had to wait for at least 1 hour before we could get our balloons filled.
This hot air ballon ride was special because I think this is the only place where one can see dessert, river, greenery and monument, all from single hot air balloon ride.
After the balloon ride we went for the Queen Hatshetput temple. This is the only temple made for any queen in Egyptian history. This is beautiful temple with 3 floors and having grand entry. Queen Hatshetput is the only queen who ruled independently without any king in place.
After visiting Queen Hatshetput temple, we went to valley of kings. This is a great site where all the kings tombs are situated. There is also valley of queens where queens tombs are situated.
The tombs are created undergraound like rabbit hole burrow. It can have many branches and traps inside to confuse the thieves/robbers. there are around 60+ tombs in valley of kings and one can choose to go in any 3 tombs of his/her choice. I have never been to any tombs before this, so this was great surprise for me. I could never imagine, how people living in the desert where everything in grey/ and dusty, can have such colorful and artistic tombs. The walls(around 20-30 feet) after entrance have some carved slokas/matras and as you go deeper, you will find stories represented pictorially. . There are no mummies as all the mummies are moved to Mummy museum. There is no treasure as well. ;) The most beautiful tomb in the world is Queen Nafartari tomb and it costed 1000 Egyption pound to see it.
After kings of valley we took the flight back to Cairo, spent evening agin watching pyramids again and enjoyed the light and sound show from out hotel terrace.
Day 8 -
Time to return back to Bangalore. I might never have such a awesome view while having tea again. With beautiful memories, history and information, we head back to our own country. Tatva bought lot of books including Cartoosh(Egptional alphabets) signs.
 |
| Nile river and famous monuments |
Comments
Post a Comment